//------------------------------//
// Arc 15-4: Waters as Beautiful as Sapphires 
// Story: My Little Pony: One as a Family.  "Trials of Friendship" 
// by SaburoDaimando 
//------------------------------//


	Waters as Beautiful as Sapphires




“It’s too bad you missed coming with us to this place, ma and pa.  Calling it the Golden Land was an understatement.”
Those words came from Applejack, looking down at a video tablet of her parents Bright Mac and Buttercup, all while the morning sun shone down upon her face.  Despite her disappointment, Applejack remained as optimistic as ever.
“I know it was a sight to behold, my daughter,” Bright Mac said. “But right now, our priority is for the ponies of La Maresa to shelter from the winter storm.”
“Any sign of Granny Smith, Big Mac or Apple Bloom yet?” Applejack asked.
“Not yet,” Buttercup said.  “A few ponies from La Maresa have arrived.  But we have yet to see Ma come by with the rest of the group.”
“Truth be told,” Applejack said.  “I am worried about them.  They’re family to me, and I don’t know what would happen to me if something bad happens to them.”
“No need to worry,” Bright Mac said.  “She and the others will arrive by tomorrow.  You just focus on relaxing and unwinding at the Golden Land, and tell us the tales about your time there.”
“You deserve that time there, my sweet apple,” Buttercup said.  “Just be happy and don’t let worry bog you down.”
“I will ma,” Applejack said.  “And I love you both.”
“We love you as well, Applejack,” Bright Mac said.  “You have a good time.”
Buttercup blew a kiss to Applejack before the screen with her and Bright Mac disappeared.  Applejack let out a sigh before lowering the screen part of the tablet down on the table, all while Rarity walked up to her.
“How did it all go?” Rarity asked.
“I wish they were here,” Applejack said.  “But more importantly, I wish I was with them.”
“You’re worried for them, are you?” Rarity responded.
“I am,” Applejack said, slumping down on the table. “Even though they tell me it’s going to be okay and that I should enjoy my time here in the Golden Land.”
“I think you should take their advice,” Rarity said, placing her arm around Applejack’s shoulders.  “They want you to have a good time here, even though they’re back in Canterlot helping out the ponies of La Maresa.”
“I’ll try,” Applejack said.  “But it’s not going to be easy to get that feeling off my back.”
“Then come with us,” Rarity said as she led Applejack towards the door.  “If we can explain this to Princess Celestia, I think she will understand.”
Applejack said nothing as Rarity let her outside of the doorway and down the hall where the other younglings emerged from the bedrooms, getting up bright and early.  But out of another room, Wanda emerged in a new pair of pajamas, stretching her arms out.  Once she loosened her arms and let them fall downward, she felt a tap on her shoulder.  Wanda turned around to see Trixie looking up at her.
“Morning Trixie,” Wanda said as Abigail emerged from the room.  “I’m surprised that you want my attention.”
“It’s my concern for the Great and Powerful Glim Glam,” Trixie said.
“Glim Glam?” Wanda asked.  “You mean Starlight?”
“Yes,” Trixie said.  “And I ask this to my Great and Powerful Princess friend.  The Great and Powerful Trixie wants you, Princess Wanda, to protect Glim Glam, and give her a reason to smile.”
“Me?” Wanda asked.
“Yes,” Trixie said, placing her hoof on Wanda’s chest.  “You have the friendship that blooms like a flower.  It is your friendship with Glim Glam that makes her smile.  And thus, that is why I ask of thee to ensure that Glim Glam can smile.  Will you do it?”
Wanda only pondered for a bit before turning to Trixie and said “Starlight is my friend.  So that won’t be hard to do.  After all, she…”
But Trixie interrupted her by simply hugging the Man’s Cub, all while Starlight and Abigail came out of the room right behind Wanda.  Starlight saw Trixie hugging Wanda and looked a bit confused.
“Trixie,” Starlight asked.  “Do you want to switch roommates with me?”
Trixie turned towards Starlight Glimmer and said with an embarrassing blush “Uhh no.  I was…making sure Wanda would keep you happy on our trip.”
“Oh,” Starlight replied with a smile on her face.  “I get it.  But I wouldn’t mind switching roommates with you so you can hang out with Wanda a bit more.”
Trixie turned back to Wanda, who only grinned back at the magician pony.
“Did you ever have one of those days?” Trixie sighed.
Abigail walked up to Trixie and said “Yes,” causing the magician filly to pull her hat down in embarrassment.

Later that day, outside of the Golden Palace, Wanda Young, now in her swimsuit, and Abigail Albright were leading Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Twilight Sparkle, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze, Sonata Dusk, Trixie, Ditzy Doo, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell, Golden Lace, Cozy Glow, Juniper Montage and Spitfire through the peaceful environment. 
“It’s too bad Sunset is still recovering from her illness,” Twilight whispered to Moondancer.
“I know,” Moondancer said.  “She’s going to miss this moment.”
“At least Spike is staying with her,” Twilight said.  “But still, I wish she was with us.”
“Maybe when she recovers,” Aria Blaze said.  “She can join us in another one of these….whatever it is.”
Rainbow Dash jumped into the air and flew over to Wanda and Abigail.
“Hey Wanda,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Where are you leading us to?  I’m anxious to see it.”
Wanda just smiled and said “Look behind you.  I think you’ll be pleased.”
Rainbow Dash turned around and her jaw dropped.  All of the other younglings, sans Wanda and Abigail, ran up beside Rainbow Dash and dropped their jaws in awe.  In front of them was a massive lake that was as sparkling, beautiful blue.
“What is this place?” Rainbow Dash said.  “It looks twenty percent cooler than I expected.”
“Twenty percent cooler, eh?” Danged Spell said.  “Any cooler than that and it will be as cold as ice.  GET IT?”
“Danged Spell!” Everyone else groaned.
“Way to ruin my catchphrase,” Rainbow Dash said.
As Danged Spell smirked at everyone else’s reaction, someone said “Not ice.  But more like a sapphire.  Welcome to Sapphire Lake.”  The younglings all turned towards the left part of the lake to see Princess Cadance and Shining Armor approach them.
“Big sis,” Wanda cheered.  “Shining Armor.”
“Sorry mother can’t make it,” Princess Cadance said.  “Right now, she and Aunt Luna are helping out Sunset Shimmer with her illness.”
“So as of the moment,” Shining Armor said, “We get to join you all at the Sapphire Lake.”
Twilight Sparkle jumped into the air and yelled “Oh my gosh.  My favorite foalsitter gets to join me.”
Twilight Sparkle ran up to Princess Cadance and began to prance around, much to the annoyance of Wanda.
“Oh no,” Wanda groaned, covering her ears.  “Here we go again.”
“Sunshine Sunshine, ladybugs awake.  Clap your hooves and do a little shake,” Princess Cadance and Twilight Sparkle danced.
Shining Armor walked up to Wanda and said “I take it you don’t care for their little chant.”
“That’s an understatement,” Wanda said.  “Sunset and I cannot stand it.”
“Tell me about it,” Shining Armor said with a straight face.  “They sometimes like to annoy me with this just for their own amusement.”
Wanda nodded to Shining Armor with a giggle of her own before the big stallion turned to face the rest of the younglings.
“I had an experience with Sapphire Lake before you all got here,” Shining Armor said.  “Like there are some special properties in the water.  The only way to experience it is to enjoy your time here and check it out.”
“Yeah,” Wanda said.  “I think you all should.”
Most of the younglings cheered in unison as Rainbow Dash, Spitfire, Pinkie Pie, Sunburst and Moondancer were the first to run towards the lake and jump in with a loud splash.  Wanda and Abigail ran up to the lake and jumped right in as the rest of the younglings floated to the surface with no effort.
“Wow,” Pinkie Pie said as Wanda floated up.  “It feels like I’m floating in this water.”
“Yeah,” Rainbow Dash said.  “I think Spell was right when he said that this water is more than twenty percent cooler, though not as cold as ice.”
“And that’s not all,” Wanda said.  “Try staying underwater without holding your breath.  I think you’ll be surprised.”
Wanda bounced into the air before diving down under the water.  Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie looked down to see Wanda look up at the duo, all without holding her breath.
“How did she do that?” Rainbow Dash asked in a confusing tone, to which Pinkie Pie had an immediate thought in her head.
“Oh I get it,” Pinkie Pie said.  “You can breathe underwater without drowning, just like a fish.  It’s a magic that isn’t even native to Equestria.”
“Is that a fact?” Rainbow Dash smirked.  “Well then, lemme test that out.”
Rainbow Dash immediately bobbed up before diving underwater, with Pinkie Pie following from behind.

Down under the surface of the lake, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie swam to the bottom where Wanda laid there without a care in the world.  She waved to the two ponies before giving out a playful raspberry.
“Wow,” Rainbow Dash said as bubbles emerged from her mouth.  “This is neat.  The ability to breathe underwater like a fish.”
“What I’d tell ya?” Pinkie Pie said.
Wanda swam up to the duo and said “Mommy told me that the waters of this land allow for us to breathe underneath, without the need of any oxygen tank or magic to aid you.”
“I take it this is the reason why you enjoy swimming underwater,” Rainbow Dash asked.
“Are you kidding?” Wanda responded.  “Sunset and I once spent the night underwater with mommy’s permission.  It was a fun experience.”
“I wonder what the others would say if they could experience what we’re experiencing,” Pinkie Pie giggled.
“Then come on,” Wanda said. “Let's tell the others to come join in on the fun.”
Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie nodded before they followed Wanda up towards the surface of the water.  Once they emerged, Spitfire, Sunburst and Moondancer swam up to the trio.
“What happened?” Moondancer asked.  “You were down there for quite a white.”
“You’re not going to believe this,” Rainbow Dash said.  “But you can breathe while under the water.  It’s so awesome.”
Sunburst looked down at the surface of the water before submerging his muzzle into the liquid.  He closed his eyes and breathed slowly within the water.  After a short time, Sunburst lifted his muzzle out, surprised.
“You’re absolutely right,” Sunburst said.  “I don’t know how it’s done, but it’s amazing.”
Spitfire turned to the others and yelled out “Hey.  You hear that?  The water’s all fine.  Come on in.”
Immediately, Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Danged Spell, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze, Sonata Dusk, Cozy Glow, Golden Lace, Juniper Montage, Trixie and Ditzy Doo ran up and jumped into the water, splashing it in Wanda, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie PIe, Moondancer, Sunburst and Spitfire’s face.  Wanda smiled before shaking the excess water out of her hair.
“Wow,” Ditzy Doo said as she laid on her back and floated on the water.  “This is nice.  As a matter of fact, it feels so relaxing.”
“What I’d tell ya?” Rainbow Dash said.  “It’s more than twenty percent cooler.  It’s epicly awesome.”
“Epicly awesome?” Rarity said.  “Please, Rainbow Dash.  I’d say it is as divine as the manes of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.”
“Hey by the way,” Rainbow Dash said, “How come Applejack isn’t joining us?”
Rarity turned to face Applejack, whose focus was too much towards the portal archway.
“Applejack, are you alright?” Rarity asked.
Applejack turned to face Rarity and said “I know you told me I should follow my parents’ advice and have fun.  But I do worry for them.”
“I know you do, dear,” Rarity said.  “But I think you should let your own cares melt away and jump on it.  They would be proud if you got a chance to experience this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Applejack let out a huff and said “I’ll try it.  But you better get your hides out of the way, because it’s going to be a big one.”
Applejack ran a bit away from the lake before facing forward.  With a powerful sprint, Applejack ran towards the lake before jumping as far as she could.
“Oh dear,” Rarity said, seeing Applejack fly through the air.  “I think I may have overdone it.”
Twilight Sparkle swam up to the group and said “Leave that to me.”
With a flash of Twilight Sparkle’s horn, Applejack was covered in a magical aura, allowing her to fly over the water before splashing down, soaking Aria Blaze and Juniper Montage in the process.  The moment Applejack emerged from the water, the two ponies immediately splashed her all while giggling.
“Maybe I do need to simmer down,” Applejack laughed as she splashed the water back at the two.
Meanwhile, Fluttershy just looked down at the waters of the lake, barely even touching the surface with the tip of her hoof before backing off. 
“I don’t know,” Fluttershy said.  “Would I drown in something like that?  I mean, I know it’s more buoyant than the waters back home and the fact that I can breathe underwater.  But, I still have second thoughts and…”
Suddenly, Fluttershy was hit by a wave of water, soaking her through and causing her to scream.  She looked down and saw Danged Spell laughing at her.
“You should have seen the look on your face,” Danged Spell laughed.  “You went from timid to scared in ten seconds flat.”
But as Danged Spell laughed, Fluttershy’s timid face turned into a devilish smirk.
“So you think that’s funny,” Fluttershy smirked.  “Well laugh this off.”
With a mighty leap, Fluttershy flew into the air before diving right down towards the lake.  Danged Spell continued to laugh as hard, not paying attention to Fluttershy’s descent towards the lake, all while everyone else began to back off.
“Hey,” Danged Spell said as his laughter began to disappear.  “Where’d everyone go?”
But just as Spell looked up, Fluttershy hit the water in almost an instant, creating a powerful tidal wave towards the stubborn unicorn.  Danged Spell could only look up at the wave.
“Mother,” Danged Spell said.
SPLASH!  The wave crashed right into Danged Spell, burying him under the water.  Danged Spell emerged from the surface, completely drenched.  He spat out the excess water from his mouth as Fluttershy emerged from the water.
“So,” Fluttershy said in a satisfied tone before booping Danged Spell on the nose.  “How do you feel being all washed up?”
Immediately, everyone laughed at Danged Spell, filling the air with their hysterical chortles.  Danged Spell just glared at the others and turned his head in disgust.
“Really funny you chowderheads,” Danged Spell said before braying a bit like a donkey.
But as Wanda laughed out loud, she quickly noticed Starlight Glimmer, also hesitant in jumping into the water like she was scared.
“Starlight?” Wanda said.  “Are you alright?”
“No,” Starlight said as she barely moved from her position.  “I’m afraid of the water.”
Everyone stopped laughing to turn towards Starlight.  Even Danged Spell was quick to shift his eyes towards the twin-tailed filly.
“It’s okay,” Trixie said.  “Even if you can’t swim, you can still breathe underneath.”
“But what if some kind of monster emerges to eat me?” Starlight said in a scared tone.
Wanda just giggled before she held her hand out to her.
“I won’t let any creature try to eat you,” Wanda said.  “That’s a promise.”
“Are you sure?” Starlight asked.
“She is sure,” Trixie said.  “She’s your friend like I’m your friend.  And she won’t let any monster eat you.  Besides, no monster in his lake can eat the Great and Powerful Trixie.”
Starlight Glimmer swallowed deeply before reaching out and grabbing onto Wanda’s hand.  Then she slowly walked up to the end of the lake, where Wanda extended her left arm out.
“It’s okay,” Wanda said.  “I got you.”
Without a second thought, Starlight jumped from the edge and right into Wanda’s arms.  The impact on the water caused a smaller splash that barely edged out.  As Starlight held on, she looked down at the water and felt a bit of calmness in her mind.
“Wow,” Starlight said. “Right now, I do feel calm.”
“What did I tell ya?” Wanda said.
Immediately, Starlight Glimmer released her grip from Wanda and swam across the surface of the water.  She giggled with delight as she floated on top of the lake.
“Wow,” Starlight giggled.  “This is fun.”
“What’d she tell ya?” Trixie said.  “That’s your Great and Powerful Princess Wanda helping you.  So says I, the Great and Powerful Trixie.”
Starlight Glimmer held onto Wanda’s hands as the two twirled atop the water, laughing out loud together.  Trixie hangs back as Pinkie Pie swims up to her.
“You really like seeing those two together,” Pinkie Pie said.
“Any friend of Glim Glam is a friend of mine,” Trixie said.  “Besides, I don’t really know how to make a friend feel better.”
“Oh it doesn’t take much,” Pinkie Pie said.  “But at least I know you’re looking out for her well-being.”
But nearby, as Danged Spell continued to shake the water out of his ears, Moondancer swam up to the stubborn colt.
“So Spell,” Moondancer smirked.  “Feeling all washed up?”
“Not really,” Danged Spell said.  “But I didn’t expect Fluttershy to make me look like a monkey.  Which reminds me.”
Danged Spell swam up to Moondancer and whispered something in her ear.
“You really want to do this?” Moondancer asked.
“Yeah,” Danged Spell said.  “Even if Sunset Shimmer is not available, I would still wanna let them know of this.”
Moondancer nodded as Danged Spell swam up to the edge of the lake and pulled himself out.  He turned towards the other younglings and cleared his throat.
“May I have your attention?” Danged Spell said, causing everyone to turn towards him.  “I think I have a confession to make about myself.”
“Spell?” Golden Lace said, swimming closer to Danged Spell.  “That’s the first time I’ve heard about this.”
“It’s the first time anyone has,” Moondancer replied.
“You’ve all known me as Danged Spell, ever since I started attending the School for Gifted Unicorns,” Danged Spell said.  “But in reality, that is only a secondary name that my parents gave me.  My real name…is La Walakeli.”
“La Walakeli?” Golden Lace asked.  “Are you from…Lio Lani?”
“I was from Lio Lani,” Danged Spell said. “But unfortunately, I have been banished from the place.”
This caused everyone to gasp in horror, especially Abigail, Shining Armor and Princess Cadance, who walked up to the young colt before Shining placed his arm around Spell’s back.
“How did you get banished from a place like Lio Lani?” Shining Armor asked.
“On Lio Lani, the Kapu, or laws and regulations, forbid attacking the island chieftess,” Danged Spell said.  “We all hold Chieftess Pele to a high standard, even myself. I saw her as the light that guides the ponies of Lio Lani.  But one day, I lost control of myself and went into a berserker rage through my Wolf’s Breath curse.  When Chieftess Pele tried to intervene, I unintentionally sunk my teeth into her arm.”
“Oh dear,” Princess Cadance said.  “You bit into your own chieftess?”
“Yes,” Danged Spell said.  “And like I said, harming the island chieftess, even by accident, breaks the Kapu of the islands.  As a result, I was sent away from Lio Lani, which meant banishment, and I had to change my name from La Walakeli to Danged Spell.  I was ashamed at what I did and the Wolf’s Breath curse that harmed my g…I mean the chieftess.”
“But then you had to use it to save Princess Wanda and Chancellor Cinch from the Windigo’s Guild,” Shining Armor said.  “That gave you a new lease on life and allowed you to see past your own banishment.”
“It did,” Danged Spell said. “Sure I was a jerk to Princess Wanda when we first met.  But now, because of saving her and because of the friendship she gave me, I’m glad I got a second chance.  But at the same time, I still felt as if the past was reminding me of my own failures.”
“Guess I wasn’t the only one who was worried,” Applejack said.  “But that being said, I’m surprised that you chose to tell us this as opposed to keeping it all bottled up.”
“I was hesitant about talking about my past,” Danged Spell said.  “But after a close-encounter with the Predacon brothers, I’d decided to get it off my chest, first by telling it to Moondancer.  And then when I had the chance, I’d tell it to you all.”
“I think the more we know about each other,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “The more we open up.  But I understand why you kept it bottled up for a while.  You’re ashamed of what you did back then and you were uncomfortable with talking about it, until now.  But I hope one day, you can truly put your own past behind you.”
“I’ll try,” Danged Spell said.  “But it won’t be easy.”
Suddenly, Danged Spell felt a splash of water hit his face.  He looked down and saw Fluttershy smirking at him.
“Just needed to cheer you up,” Fluttershy smirked.
Danged Spell looked at her and said “Okay.  You asked for it.”
Danged Spell quickly backed up before taking a running start.  Fluttershy playfully covered her face before Danged Spell leaped into the air and dove right into the water, splashing Fluttershy, Adagio Dazzle and Cozy Glow with water.  The trio laughed as Danged Spell emerged.
“How do you like that?” Danged Spell said.  “Now we’re even.”
But Fluttershy only playfully splashed in Spell’s face while she said “I don’t think so, Spelly.”
With that, Danged Spell and Fluttershy continued to splash water at each other as every youngling around them laughed it off.
“I can’t believe we’re all enjoying this,” Adagio Dazzle said.  “Who knew this lake was perfect for having fun.”
“Tell me about it,” Sonata Dusk said, swimming up to Adagio Dazzle.  “If only Sunset Shimmer saw us.”
Immediately, Cozy Glow jumped out of the water and flew towards Princess Cadance and Shining Armor, who just observed the other younglings have fun.
“Hey where is Sunset Shimmer?” Cozy Glow asked.
“Well,” Princess Cadance stated.  “Princess Celestia took Sunset Shimmer to a place where she can heal up.  But don’t worry.  She’ll join again before we leave.”
“Spa,” Abigail.
“A spa?” Cozy Glow said with an awkward look on her face.
“Well you could say that,” Shining Armor said.  “Either that or a long walk in the Emerald Woods.”  But in a menacing tone, Shining Armor added “Or maybe she’s gone full demon and wants to eat us.”
Unamused, Cozy Glow positioned herself above the water before placing her hooves in it and splashing it in Shining Armor’s face.  Princess Cadance burst into laughter as Shining Armor was drenched in water.
“I asked for it, didn’t I?” Shining Armor said.
“You sure did,” Cadence laughed.
As Cadance continued to laugh at Shining Armor, Wanda and Starlight joined in the laughter as Cozy Glow dropped herself back in the water.
“So it’s actually that fun to splash around?” Starlight asked.
“It is,” Wanda said. “As long as you don’t overdo it.  Mommy said so.”
“I wonder if there are other activities to do in the Golden Land?” Starlight asked.
“Believe me,” Wanda said.  “This is only the tip of the iceberg.”

Somewhere in an unknown location, Sunset Shimmer was relaxing in a hot spring with a towel wrapped above her head and Spike the Dragon by her side.  Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were also enjoying themselves in the spring.
“Thanks for considering this for me, mother,” Sunset said.  “But I kinda wished Wanda joined me.”
“I know,” Princess Celestia said.  “But we’re trying to minimize the chances of the others getting sick.”
“Though I’m surprised that the Dazzling sisters and Pinkie PIe weren’t able to get your illness,” Princess Luna said.  “Cozy Glow, on the other hoof, is an Alicorn.  So she possesses natural immunities to these kinds of viruses.”
“You know,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Wanda told me that she wished I was an Alicorn.  That she wants me to fly with her and that it was lonely for her to be the only flier.”
“That is true,” Princess Celestia said.  “But it’s not really easy to become an alicorn from either an earth pony, unicorn or pegasus.  You recall the tale Princess Cadance told you about how she became an alicorn as a filly younger than you.”
“I do,” Sunset said.  “But I still don’t understand the kind of magic it takes to become one.”
“I think you have the capability to become an alicorn, Sunset,” Princess Luna said.  “But I think there is an inner part of you that still needs to be tamed before your path will be set clear.”
“The demon form, correct?” Sunset asked.
“That is true,” Princess Celestia said.  “The atmosphere of this land soothes the beast within, allowing you to keep control of it.  But what matters is that you must learn how to control it, or rather to find peace with it.”
“I know, but I am afraid,” Sunset said, holding her hoof to her heart.  “What if I lose control and lash out against my friends, or my sisters, or even you?  You did say that you’re starting to struggle in controlling my demon side.”
“I am,” Celestia said.  “And it is starting to wear me out.”
“While I can help contain the demon,” Princess Luna said.  “It may not be long until neither of us can control it.  It’s up to you to help bring peace to your demon form.”
Sunset let out a sigh and said “I just hope it doesn’t come too little, too late.”
Spike looked up at Sunset and said “Late?”
“Yes, Spike,” Sunset said.  “I hope it doesn’t come too late.”

But in a bedroom in the palace, Argyle Starshine was writing in his book with a hint of fascination in his eyes.
“Waters as clear as sapphires,” Argyle Starshine wrote.  “I’ve never seen a lake this beautiful and clean in all of Equestria.  Such is the fascination of the Golden Land.  But to younglings such as the daughters of Princess Celestia, they see it as a time for innocence, for fun, for joy.  A joy that is missing in our world, for they play without a single care.  It reminds me of my youth when I used to play with my sisters when I was a little colt.  Almost similar to the house I lived in before I moved to Manehattan for my role as a teacher.”
Argyle Starshine dipped the pen in the inkpot before proceeding to write once more.
“But I wonder why we chose to give up that joy and happiness?” Argyle wrote.  “Why did we choose to labor endlessly for a mere wage just to support a fragile economy that favors only a few?  And why not just at the expense of our well-being and peace of mind, along with a land that we cherished so long ago?  Why turn our back on nature, considering we possess the very powers of nature in our horns, wings and hooves?”
As Argyle Starshine dipped his quill into the inkpot once more, he thought long and hard about the words he’ll write before placing the tip of the pen back on the paper.
“There are times where we wish we could become young again,” Argyle wrote once more.  “To experience that joy and happiness that we missed.  One that we can share with the rest of Equestria.  Maybe one day, we can put aside this horrible demand for a never-satisfied economy and learn to enjoy life as it was meant to be.  No worries about the kind of money you get from your job.  No fear of going hungry for a night or more.  No revelation of no longer having a roof over one’s head.  One day, I wish to see that time come during my lifetime.  For there is more to the beauty of joy….than meets the eye.”
With that, Argyle Starshine placed his quill back into the inkpot and looked down at his words with a smile.
“Perhaps it was fate that brought me to this land,” Argyle Starshine said.  “Or maybe it was more.”



	To Be Continued in…


	The Library and the Wing